Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Celebrates its Tenth Anniversary

But, you say, the weather is hot and sticky out (plus the calendar clearly states it's still Summer)?

Bah...we say. Fall has started because Starbucks has relaunched its Pumpkin Spice Latte for the tenth straight year.

This sweet and spicy beverage celebrates its tenth anniversary and, according to the Wall Street Journal, it's hard to believe that this beverage with the cult following almost never made it to the barista counter.

"Ten years ago, when Starbucks' espresso wizards were brewing up new seasonal drink ideas for fall, they came up with a list of 20 finalists and market tested them. The pumpkin concept was initially greeted with a "meh," falling somewhere in the middle of the pack, outshined by stars such as chocolate caramel or cinnamon spice."

Luckily Starbucks R&D team followed their gut instincts and went back to the lab, donning sweaters, decorating their offices with a Thanksgiving theme, and sampling dozens of pumpkin pies -- both store bought and homemade -- to come up with the beloved beverage.

The pumpkin latte, which is available seasonally, re-launched Tuesday, September 3. Prices vary by market. Just be cautious with those pumpkin beverages, because just like the pumpkin pie they resemble in taste, they pack a lot of calories. According to Starbucks' nutritional information, a 20 ounce venti made with two percent milk contains 470 calories; 15 grams fat; and 62 grams sugar.

SUCCESS!

Laine Doss is the food and spirits editor for Miami New Times, covering the restaurant and bar scene in South Florida. She has been featured on Cooking Channel’s Eat Street and Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race. Doss won an Alternative Weekly award for her feature on what it’s like to wait tables. In a previous life, she appeared off-Broadway and shook many a cocktail as a bartender at venues in South Florida and New York City. When she’s not writing, you can find Doss running some marathon then celebrating at the nearest watering hole.